Emotiva XPA-2 vs. 2x Outlaw Model 2200s for KEF Reference 201/2 Speakers - Page 2

The M15 actually comes out to be about the same price because it doesn't have a Video proc

To clarify: the NAD M15 is a surround sound pre/pro as opposed to an AV pre/pro so there is no video section to pay for in the first place. The DVDO Edge video proc. has a separate HDMI output for audio (for an a/v pre/pro like your T-175) and an optical output for non-av pre/pros & receivers. I will be using the optical output from the DVDO Edge as my signal path to the M15 if I go that route.

I'm also taking a very close look at acquiring a used Proceed AVP2 or a Carey Audio Cinema Series Pre/Pro as they can be had for cheap and I'm only concerned with SQ. I don't like the idea of running my video, even in pass-through mode, from a high-quality processor to a low-quality processor.

I think that I'm setting myself up for disaster here with matching the timing of the video with the audio but I'm crazy enough to try

What I'm gathering is this: these guys say it's fine and these guys say to spend more money. I'm not trying to build the Queen's system here so I'm going to choose the XPA-2 and press on.

The DVDO Edge does too . I'm waiting for a good deal on those Reference 201/2 and not the one with the center channel on Amazon.com - I'm skeptical that I couldn't do better. Here's what I'm starting with:

"Thumbs up Research Pays off: The Best "Pre/Pro" for the money NAD M15 + DVDO Edge + Sony S550

Big thanks to everyone that contributes to the AVS Forums! I just ordered my dream electronics set-up with every feature I could ever want and I didn't spend a ton of money. I wanted to share my components and I will update everyone with my findings so others can replicate my set-up if it performs as well as it should.

The Set-up:

I just purchased a refurbished NAD Masters Series M15 pre/pro with a 2-year NAD warranty from Amazon.com for $1600, a DVDO Edge for $700 and a BDP-S550 for $379 (I also have a Tivo HD XL, Emotiva XPA-3, KEF IQ30s and a KEF IQ60c center on the way)

The Upside:

All you need is a Sony BDP S-550 Blu-Ray player to decode HBR/MA audio, a DVDO Edge to process video and to pass along the audio signal to the M15 via HDMI. With this set-up, you have all of the functionality of a $3,000+ AV pre/pro but you're going to get much better video processing, better sound quality (unless you're in the Anthem+ category and even then, SQ is debatable) and one of the best Blu-Ray players to hit the market. You can use the money that you save to buy a stand-alone active room correction device in the future too (they should be <$1,500 in the next 6 months at this pace)!

The Details:

Threads to pay closer attention to if you don't want to settle by buying an Integra DHC9.9 or spending more on a "buggy" Cary Cinema 11a or the expensive, but near-flawless, Anthem D2v:

SSPs to ignore :
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940065
Blu-Ray Players to research for DTS HD-MA capability :
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...8#post14323698
DVDO Edge :
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1051246

Not to mention that there shouldn't be any issues with the S-550 outputting Direct/PCM audio because it's all going out over HDMI with the Edge doing the separation of the DTS HD-MA signal.

What are your thoughts? Did I do a good job?"

I don't think so; I'll have to bypass the Edge for audio with the M15...

Thanks a lot, I truly appreciate that.

I'm getting a lot of mixed feedback here but if they were listening to what I'm listening too: I think they would have said something as nice as you.

That's why I'm going to give my set-up a rest and hit the beer garden with some friends. What's best is being outside today

I think we're going to the one in Queens today... I've been to Zum Schneider and Hallo Berlin but I haven't hit anything outdoors yet. Should be fun.

I consider myself to be a critical listener and I am truly impressed with the Emotiva XPA-3. As I mentioned before, I have Beyerdynamic DT880 ear goggles with Headroom pre & amp so I have a good baseline to compare to. That being said, I'm impressed -- and not just relatively impressed -- that I'm getting very dynamic and detailed sound and it's apparent to everyone that listens. I've had about 10 people through here to listen and everyone truly enjoyed how musical the set-up is.